China is stepping up efforts to regulate lithium-ion battery recycling, introducing stricter guidelines aimed at strengthening oversight across the electric vehicle (EV) lifecycle.
The new policy, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in collaboration with the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, outlines measures to expand collection networks, support large-scale recyclers, and improve monitoring through digital systems.
A key focus of the policy is deeper integration between manufacturers and recyclers. EV and battery producers are being encouraged to work directly with recycling firms to establish efficient systems for battery collection and temporary storage. This reflects China’s broader push to hold manufacturers accountable for batteries throughout their lifecycle.
The policy also highlights the role of major players such as China Recycling Group, urging them to scale up processing capacity while adapting operations to regional needs. This signals a continued shift toward centralized, large-scale recycling infrastructure.
Digital tracking is another central pillar. Authorities are expanding the use of platforms to monitor battery origin, movement, and processing. This follows the launch of a national traceability system which assigns each battery a unique digital identity, enabling real-time tracking from production to recycling.
Together, these initiatives form part of a broader closed-loop management system linking battery makers, automakers, service providers, and recyclers under a unified regulatory framework.
Implementation will be shared between local and central authorities, with local governments responsible for standardization and scaling, while national bodies oversee compliance and progress.
The latest measures come ahead of stricter regulations set to take effect in 2026, which will require automakers and battery manufacturers to take greater responsibility for end-of-life batteries and establish robust recycling networks as EV adoption continues to rise.
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